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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: HOW FEMA WORKS
HEADLINE: Florida residents take shelter, lean on federal program for assistance
TEASER: How the US responds to storms like Hurricane Milton
PUBLISHED: 10/10/2024 AT 1:35PM
BYLINE: Jessica Stone
CONTRIBUTOR: Kim Lewis, Yee Mon Oo, Thein Htike Oo, Jose Pernalete
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Baragona, Mia Bush, David Jones
PRODUCER:
VIDEO SOURCES: VOA ORIGINAL, AP, Reuters, AFP
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO _X_
TRT: 2:45
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVR
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[When major disasters like hurricanes and floods hit the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, coordinates major rescue efforts that would overwhelm local officials. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports on how the agency works. ]]
((NARRATION))
The 2024 hurricane season has brought another powerful storm to the American Southeast, forcing millions to gas up and flee Hurricane Milton’s path. VOA spoke to Aung Myat Thu ahead of landfall.
((Aung Myat Thu, Tampa Bay Resident (Burmese))) ((Mandatory Courtesy: ZOOM))
“We heard hurricane Milton is taking aim at the Tampa Bay region and the storm surge could be 10 to 15 feet. So the residents living in coastal and low-lying areas have no choice, just move to the shelter or safe place.”
((NARRATION))
Mobile home residents are particularly vulnerable to the strong winds and high floodwaters that hurricanes bring.
((Angela Rivera Barbosa, Clearwater Resident))
“We took water with Helene into the house and they’re saying it's going to be worse. Muy mal. Very bad.”
((Yatalan Orshella, Clearwater Resident))
This is going to flood. It did in the last storm and the storm before that and we’re expecting even higher waters. Everyone needs to move their vehicles and get to safety. This place is going to be devastated.”
((NARRATION))
If that happens, Americans who experience damage to their homes or cars can get help from FEMA to pay for repairs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, coordinates response efforts with all levels of government as well as the private sector.
But first, the president must declare a national emergency, which releases additional funds to help local governments respond.
((President Joe Biden))
“I've directed this team to do everything they can to save lives and our communities, help our communities before, during and after these extreme weather events and that's being done.”
((NARRATION))
FEMA also spreads the word that those affected must seek shelter or evacuate.
After the storm is over, victims can apply to FEMA for individual housing assistance, but only if they are uninsured or underinsured. FEMA’s website says the program won’t compensate for all the damage, but it can supplement the costs for temporary housing, home repairs and protecting homes against future storms.
((Jason Barnosky, RAND Corporation)) ((Mandatory Courtesy: ZOOM))
“FEMA can provide assistance to individuals, and that can take the form of a quick cash infusion for disaster-related expenses such as medical or dental bills as well as housing. And on top of that, FEMA assists state and local governments to help them rebuild their public infrastructure.”
((NARRATION))
Disaster response expert Jason Barnosky says FEMA changed a lot after its slow response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
((Jason Barnosky, RAND Corporation)) ((Mandatory Courtesy: ZOOM))
“It encouraged the agency to think about preparedness, to not be so reactive but to lean forward and help communities prepare before anything happened.”
((NARRATION))
Sarasota resident Tun Win did just that, installing hurricane shutters so that the next storm won’t create as much damage to his home.
((Tun Win, Sarasota Resident)) ((MANDATORY COURTESY: ZOOM))
"If the trees or debris hit the door, the glass door will be protected. I have installed hurricane shutters at the back door, too.”
((NARRATION))
With more severe weather forecast across the United States, thanks to a changing climate, experts say the demand for FEMA is only expected to rise.
((Jessica Stone, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateOctober 10, 2024 13:29 EDT
BylineJessica Stone
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
